Door closing device



June 25, 1963 c, CHASE DOOR CLOSING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan- 30, 1961 INVENTOR. CZ dse.

June 25, 1963 C. H. CHASE DOOR CLOSING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 50, 1961 INVENTOR- 6/? 9 CZals'e BY ,%*fmx.

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3,094,738 DGGR CLOSING DEVICE Clyde H. (Ihase, 8868 Hendrick Drive, Brighton, Mich. Filed Jan. 30, 1961, Ser. No. 85,675 13 Claims. (Cl. 16-49) This invention relates to door closing devices, and more particularly to spring-actuated devices for urging a door towards closed position and checking the door swing as it approaches closed position to prevent or minimize slamming.

It is an object of the invention to provide a novel and improved door closing device in which the spring means serves both to urge the door toward closed position and to check the door swing, thus affording an extremely sim ple and compact arrangement.

It is a further object to provide an improved door closing device of this nature which can be easily installed on various types of doors and is readily adjustable to achieve the proper checking or bufllering action.

It is another object to provide an improved door closing device having the above characteristics, which can be used to hold the door in open position without interfering with the function of the device for door closing.

It is also an object to provide an improved door closing device of the above nature, which can be inexpensively fabricated of low cost materials and requires little or no maintenance.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational View of a portion of a door showing the novel door closing device in mounted position;

FIGURE 2 is a plan cross-sectional View taken along the line 22 of FIGURE 1 and showing the device with the door in closed position;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2 and showing the slide and adjacent portion of the track with the door in closed position;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the slide showing the raised track engaging portions;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 showing the door in partially opened position, and

FIGURE 6 is a View similar to FIGURE 2 but showing a modified form of the invention for use with door frames which extend in the same plane as the door.

In general terms, the invention comprises an elongated track securable in horizontal position on the door, and a slide movably mounted in the track. A spring-like member of flat generally elongated shape has one end secured to the slide and the other end to the door frame. The shape of this member is such that upon opening of the door, the member will be flexed so as to create a door closing force, the slide moving along the track toward the door frame. When the door is released, the spring-like member will urge it toward closed position, the slide moving toward the outer end of the track.

As the door approaches its closed position, the slide will engage an abutment at the outer track end, causing the spring-like member to flex in such a direction as to check the door closing movement. A central portion of the spring-like member will also engage the inside surface of the track, movement of the track against this portion of the spring-like member causing a further checking or buffering action. Means may be provided at the outer end for retarding the slide movement in cases where the spring force is relatively strong. Cooperating means may 3,994,733 Patented June 25, 1963 also be provided in the slide and track for holding the door in open and closed positions.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the improved door closing device generally indicated at 11 in FIGURE 1 is shown as being mounted between a horizontally swinging door 12 and a door frame 13 which extends at right angles to the door as seen in FIGURE 2. The outer edge of door 12 has a latch 14 cooperable with a keeper 15 on post 16, the door being swingable on hinges 17 seen in FIGURE 2.

The door closing mechanism 11 comprises .a track generally indicated at 18, a slide generally indicated at .19, and a spring generally indicated at 21. Slide 18 is of generally C-shaped cross section, having a flat central portion 22 and upper and lower flanges 23 and 24 respectively bent inwardly toward each other as seen in FIGURE 3 so that the outer ends of these flanges are substantially parallel with central portion 22. The track is of elongated shape and is mountable in horizontal position on an appropriate portion of door 12 adjacent frame 13. The inner end of track 18 has an elongated slot 25 while the other end has a similar slot 26. These slots enable the track to be secured to the door by fasteners 27 and 23 respectively, the track being adjustable toward or away from frame 13 as necessary for the operation described below. The inner end 29 of track 18' is open, as seen in FIGURE 2. The outer end has an abutment 31 bent outwardly away from door 12, the height of this abutment being approximately the same as that of the space between flanges 23 and 24 and central portion 22 of the track.

The construction of slide 19 is perhaps best seen in FIGURE 4. This slide may be fabricated of a sheet metal stamping, similar to track 18. The slide is of generally rectangular shape and has a flat central portion 32, the width of this central portion being slightly less than the maximum spacing between flanges 23 and 24-, as seen in FIGURE 3. The outer portions of slide 19 are bent back over central portions 32, and are then bent outwardly into parallel relation to form two flanges 33 and 34, these flanges being centrally apertured as indicated at 35. The spacing between flanges 33 and 34 is less than the space between flanges 23 and 24 of track 18, so that the flanges may project outwardly from the track as seen in FIGURE 2. The ends of flanges 33 and 34 may be beveled for the sake of appearance and safety.

Slide 19 is also preferably provided with a plurality of raised portions 36 as indicated in FlGURE 4. These raised portions are formed in the doubled outer portions of slide 19 and extend a slight distance toward the outer edges of flanges 33 and 34, so that the raised portions will engage the inner surfaces of track flanges 23 and 24. This will help reduce frictional resistance as the slide moves along the track. The raised portions may be elongated in a direction at right angles to the direction of slide movement, or in other directions as desired.

Spring 21 is preferably fabricated of a flat strip of spring-like steel having a width somewhat less than the spacing between track flanges 23 and 124. The spring has an inner securing portion 37 of flat shape adapted to be secured to door frame 13 adjacent track 18 by one or more fasteners 38, as seen in FIGURE 2. Spring 21 further has an arcuate intermediate or central portion 39 which is bent so as to be concave in a direction away from the track when the door is closed. Portion 39 of the spring has a relatively large radius of curvature, and terminates at its outer end in a reversely bent portion 41 having a much smaller radius of curvature. From this portion, spring 21 extends back toward track 18, being inclined somewhat toward the inner end of the door as seen in FIGURE 2. This last-mentioned portion of the spring is relatively flat and is indicated at 42. The end 43 of portion 42 is bent sharply so as to surround a pin 4-4 extending through apertures 35 in slide 32 and securing the outer end of spring 21 to the slide so as to be rotatably connected thereto. A spacer bolt 42a, of adjustable length if desired, may be secured between spring portions 39 and 42, as indicated in FIGURE 2, to limit or prevent relative movement between the portions of the spring to which bolt 42a is secured.

A retarding member 45 may be secured within the outer end of track 18, as seen in FIGURES 2 and 3. This member is of generally rectangular and slightly bowed shape, preferably having spring-like qualities, and is disposed adjacent the outer end of track 18 so that slide 19 will frictionally engage member 55 as it moves toward the outer end of the track. This frictional engagement will retard the movement of slide 19 in a manner described below. A fastener 46 may be provided for holding member 45 in position, this fastener passing through a slot 26 as seen in FIGURE 2.

A pair of notches, one of which is indicated at 47 in FIGURE 2, may be provided in opposed relation on flanges 25 and 24 adjacent the inner end of track 18. These notches are adapted to receive the two raised portions 36 at the inner end of slide 19 when the latter moves toward the inner end of track 18, thereby holding the door in open position as will hereinafter appear. Notches corresponding in shape to the raised portions of slide l9 could also be provided at the outer end of track 13 to hold the door in closed position. The raised portions 36 at the outer end of slide 19 could for example extend in the direction of slide movement, with four notches corresponding to the raised portions being formed at both the inner and outer ends of the track. A stop 48 in the form of a fiber washer or other appropriate member may also be provided adjacent the inner end of track 18 to limit the movement of slide 19 toward that end of the track, member 48 being held in position by a fastener 49 extending through slot 25.

When mounting door closing door device 11 in position, track l8 may be longitudinally adjusted and secured so that as door 12 approaches its closed position, slide 19 will engage abutment 31, with portion 22 of track 18 engaging central portion 39 of spring 21 as the door continues its closing movement. With this arrangement, as door 12 is opened (a partially opened position being shown in FIGURE portion 39 of spring 21 will tend to become flattened, increasing the tension in the spring. At the same time slide 19 will tend to move toward the inner end of track 18, the amount of this movement depending upon how far the door is opened.

When the door is released spring 21 will tend to return to its normal position, thereby exerting a counterclockwise force on the door as seen in FIGURES 2 and 5. The door will swing toward its closed position, with slide 19 moving outwardly along track 18. As the door approaches its closed position, slide 19 will engage retarding member 45 if this member is present because of the strength of spring 21, and as it passes retarding member 45 will engage abutment 31. Further closing movement of the door will tend to cause inward bending of spring portion 41, and will also cause mutual engagement between portion 3% of the spring and central portion 22 of the track. These combined actions will serve to check or buffer the door closing movement, so that the door will reach its fully latched position without undue slamming. The presence of spacer bolt 52a will strengthen the adjacent portion of the spring, and in some cases will serve to further control door slam. Throughout the opening and closing movement of the door, slide :19 will be held against flanges 24 and 25 by the action of spring 21, thus preventing any unwanted loose movement between the slide and track.

If it is desired to hold the door in open position, the

door is swung open until inner raised portions 36 on slide 19 snap into position in notches 47. This will prevent slide 19 from returning to the end of track 18, and the door will thus be held in open position until it is pushed closed with a force hard enough to dislodge raised portions 35 from notches 47.

FIGURE 6 shows a modified form of the invention for use with door frame 161 which is aligned with door 1G2 rather than at right angles to the door as in the first embodiment. In general, the construction of this form of the invention, generally indicated at 193, is the same as that of the previous embodiment and need not be described in detail. The main difference is that fastening portion 104 of the spring, generally indicated at 105, is connected to main curved portion 1% of the spring by a connection portion 107 which is concave toward the door. Portion lil7 extends at almost right angles to portion 104, as seen in FIGURE 6, and then curves into portion 106. The action of this embodiment will be the same as that previously described.

While it will be apparent that the embodiments of the invention herein disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects of the invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a door closing device for a door member hinged along one edge to a door frame member, a track of elongated shape secured to one of said members at right angles to the hinge axis, an elongated leaf spring having an inner portion secured to the other of said members, an intermediate portion of arcuate shape convex toward said track, a second intermediate portion outwardly of said last mentioned portion bent so as to be convex away from said track, a slide mounted in said track, and an outer spring portion extending toward said track and pivotally secured to said slide.

2. The combination according to claim 1, further provided with an abutment at the outer end of said track, said slide being engageable with said abutment when the door is in closed position, the proportions of said spring being such that said engagement of the slide with the abutment will cause flexure of said second intermediate spring portion.

3. The combination according to claim 2, the relative proportions of said first and second intermediate spring portions being such that said flexure in the second intermediate spring portion will urge said first intermediate spring portion against said track.

4. In a closing device for a door member hinged along one edge to a frame member, an elongated track of generally C-slraped cross-section secured to one of said members at night angles to the hinge axis, said track having a pair of oppositely disposed inwardly turned flanges therealong, a slide having a flat central portion, a pair of reversely bent portions outwardly of said central portion, and two flanges extending outwardly from said reverse- 1y bent portions, a spring having an inner end secured to the other of said members, an arcuate intermediate portion convex toward said track, and a reversely bent portion at the outer end of said intermediate portion extending toward said track, said reversely bent portion being pivot-ally connected to said slide flanges, and an abutment at the outer end of said track engageable by said slide as the door member approaches its closed position, the relative dimensions of said spring being such that said engagement will cause said spring to exert a force on said track tending to check said closing movement.

5. The combination according to claim 4, said abutment comprising an upwardly bent flange at the outer end of said tnack.

6. The combination according to claim 4, said track being further provided with a pair of elongated slots, and fasteners extending through said slots for 'adjustably securing the slide to said one member.

7. The combination according to 'claim 4, the reversely bent portions of said slide having a plurality of sections upset toward the facing surfaces of said track flanges.

8. The combination according to claim 7, at least one of said track flanges being provided with a notched portion adjacent its inner end, one of said upset slide sections being receivable by said notched portion, whereby the door member may be held in open position.

9. The combination according to claim 4, further provided with a stop within said knack adjacent the inner end thereof engageable by said slide when the door member is in a predetermined open position.

10. The combination according to claim 4, further provided with a retarding member in the form of a leaf spring secured within said track adjacent the outer end thereof and frictionally engageable by said slide when the 'door member approaches its closed position.

'11. In a closing device for a door hinged along one edge to a 'frame, a track secured to said door at right angles to the hinge axis, a leaf spring having an inner end secured to said frame, an arcuate intermediate portion convex toward said track, and a reversely bent outer portion extending toward said track and inclined toward said frame, a slide movably mounted in said track and pivotally connected to the outer end of said spring, and an abutment at the outer end of said track engageable by slide when the door approaches its closed position, the

6 relative proportions of said spring being such that engagement of said slide with said abutment will exert a checking force on said door.

112. The combination according to claim 11, further provided with a spacer member secured between said reversely bent outer spring portion and the adjacent part of said intermediate spring portion, said spacer member preventing substantial relative movement between the parts -to which it is secured.

13. In a closing device for a door member hinged along one edge to a door fir-ame member, an elongated track secured to one of said members, a slide in said track, and a leaf spring secured at one end to said slide and at the other end to the other of said members, said spring being so shaped as to urge the door toward its closing position when it is opened, an intermediate portion of said spring being convex toward said track, said convex portion being engageable with an intermediate portion of said track as the door approaches its closing position to check its final closing movement.

Tucker June 8, 1869 Allen Jan. 5, 1954 

1. IN A DOOR CLOSING DEVICE FOR A DOOR MEMBER HINGED ALONG ONE EDGE TO A DOOR FRAME MEMBER, A TRACK OF ELONGATED SHAPE SECURED TO ONE OF SAID MEMBERS AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE HINGE AXIS, AN ELONGATED LEAF SPRING HAVING AN INNER PORTION SECURED TO THE OTHER OF SAID MEMBERS, AN INTERMEDIATE PORTION OF ARCUATE SHAPE CONVEX TOWARD SAID TRACK, A SECOND INTERMEDIATE PORTION OUTWARDLY OF SAID LAST-MENTIONED PORTION BENT SO AS TO BE CONVEX AWAY FROM SAID TRACK, A SLIDE MOUNTED IN SAID TRACK, AND AN OUTER SPRING PORTION EXTENDING TOWARD SAID TRACK AND PIVOTALLY SECURED TO SAID SLIDE. 